Weekly Register: Luke Bryan Tops Country Albums Chart With ‘Born Here Live Here Die Here’

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

Gabby Barrett maintains her grip at No. 1 on the Country On-Demand Audio Streaming chart, with 8.4 million streams, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Luke Bryan follows the Idol star, with his “One Margarita” garnering 7.7 million streams.

Morgan Wallen maintains both the No. 3 and No. 4 position with his “Chasin’ You” and his collaboration with Diplo and Julia Michaels on “Heartless,” receiving approximately 6.8 million streams each. Maddie & Tae‘s “Die From a Broken Heart” rounds out the top five with 6.7 million streams.

Bryan is the top debut overall and on the country albums chart this week with Born Here Live Here Die Here, debuting at No. 1 country and No. 5 overall with 65K in total consumption this week (48K album-only and 18 million song streams.)

Wallen’s If I Know Me follows Bryan’s debut on the country albums chart, with 22.5K. Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get is at No. 3, with 21K, followed by his This One’s For You at No. 4 with 19K. Sam Hunt’s Southside is at No. 5 with 12K.

Songwriter/Music Producer Edward "Felix" McTeigue Dies At 48

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Felix McTeigue

Edward “Felix” McTeigue, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and music producer with chart-topping hits that include Florida Georgia Line’s “Anything Goes” and Lori McKenna’s “Wreck You,” died July 24 after complications from surgery. He was 48 years old.

“He had an extraordinary ability to harness magic in the room that no one else could see,” McKenna said. They collaborated on many songs, including “Wreck You,” which McKenna included on her Grammy nominated album, The Bird & The Rifle. The song was also nominated for a Grammy and Americana Music Award.

“We always wrote great songs together,” offered fellow collaborator Chris Tompkins. “The first time we met, we were instant friends. I’m so thankful for the good times we had and the beautiful songs.” McTeigue, Tompkins and Craig Wiseman wrote FGL’s No. 1 hit “Anything Goes.” McTeigue and Tompkins also wrote Canadian country singer Dallas Smith’s chart-topping single, “Jumped Right In,” title track for the Juno nominated Gold-certified album and Platinum-certified EP.

New Jersey native McTeigue grew up with parents Joan and Frank McTeigue. He was already showing an interest in songwriting when he discovered that his birth mother was Maggie Roche of folk band the Roches. He met wife Liz Lynch at a folk rock adaptation of the Odyssey at The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. They have two children.

He spent time in the New York City music scene, and released albums Felix McTeigue, Radio Perfecto, and The New Deal (under the moniker FDR) which attracted champions in the music industry. After the birth of his children, he transitioned to become a sought-after songwriter and producer. As a producer, he recorded more than 30 albums. Kobalt Music Publishing represents hundreds of his songs, several dozen of which were in various phases of production at the time of his death.

McTeigue is survived by his wife Elizabeth Lynch, his children Nora and William, his mother Joan, sister Alvina and her family, and brother Frank.
In honor of his life, a GoFundMe page has been set up both to support his children and to create a Scholarship Fund to provide educational opportunities in music, for youths of all backgrounds.

TikTok Inks Distribution Deal With UnitedMasters

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TikTok has struck a deal with music distribution platform UnitedMasters, that will enable TikTok users to distribute music directly from the app. Through the deal, UnitedMasters becomes the first music distribution company to be integrated within TikTok.

The partnership enables TikTok users to distribute their music directly to other music streaming platforms. TikTok will opt all music from its creators who join UnitedMasters into the platform’s Commercial Music Library, with the artist’s permission, giving businesses access to a large catalog of new sounds to use in their content. TikTok will also partner with UnitedMasters in promoting key artists on the platform.

“Creators are the beating heart of the TikTok community, often inspired by the artists who bring their music to the platform, and providing a haven for them to thrive is key to our mission,” says Kevin Mayer, CEO of TikTok. “The new partnership with United Masters makes it even easier for musicians and creators to reach new fans and earn a living doing what they love, directly from the platform.”

“If you are a musical artist, TikTok is the best place for your music to go viral and UnitedMasters is the best place to sustain it while retaining full ownership of your work,” says Steve Stoute, CEO and Founder of UnitedMasters. “By combining the two, we create the platform for tomorrow’s stars who will be famous, fiercely independent and wealthy.”

TikTok recently announced a $1 billion TikTok Creator Fund to help support ambitious artists looking to foster a livelihood through their innovative content. The company has become the go-to staging ground that has helped previously little known or undiscovered artists like Lil Nas X, Ambjaay, StaySolidRocky, Powfu, BENEE, Y2K, bbno$, and many others find mainstream fame and dominate the charts.

Since its launch UnitedMasters has seen its artist-first approach pick up steam launching the careers of chart toppers like platinum-selling rapper NLE Choppa, Billboard charting recording artist Lil Tecca, Tobe Nwigwe, Lil XXEL, and many more. In just 18 months, UM has amassed over 400k artists, 5 billion streams, and over half a million distributed tracks.

MV2 Entertainment, Little Louder Music Sign Joe Whelan

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Pictured, Back Row (L-R): Nicole Sherrill, Jefferson Brown, Mike Whelan, Ben Strain. Front Row (L-R): Arturo Buenahora, Joe Whelan, Tony Harrell. Photo Credit: Lindsey Parrish

MV2 Entertainment and Little Louder Music have signed Joe Whelan to a co-publishing deal.

“Little Louder is very excited to partner with MV2 on the signing of Joe Whelan,” Little Louder’s Offensive Coordinator Arturo Buenahora said. “As a small boutique publishing house, it is paramount that we only sign writers or artists that we can make sure get the focus and attention they deserve. We think this deal could be a special opportunity for Joe and our respective companies.”

“Joe Whelan is an incredibly talented young man at the beginning of an awesome career and we are proud to partner with Little Louder on this venture,” MV2’s GM Tony Harrell added. “Because of his diverse musical taste, great relationships and self-motivation, Joe will be an asset in any writing room.”

Whelan has three songs on Tucker Beathard’s upcoming album, including “Can’t Stay Here,” “How Gone Will I Go,” and “Too Drunk.” Whelan co-wrote Australian artist Pete Murray’s “Found My Place” and is also writing with other Little Louder acts that have recently signed record deals: Boy Named Banjo (UMG) and Jackson Dean (BMLG).

Warner’s John Esposito, Dutch Artist Ilse DeLange Earn CMA International Honors

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Warner Music Nashville Chairman/CEO John Esposito was surprised with the 2020 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award by Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer) and Milly Olykan (CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development) during a Warner Music Nashville virtual staff meeting on Friday, Aug. 14. Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville

The Country Music Association recently honored Warner Music Nashville Chairman/Chief Executive Officer John Esposito with the 2020 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award and Dutch country artist Ilse DeLange with the 2020 CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award.

Esposito was presented his award on Friday, Aug. 14 during Warner Music Nashville’s “The Warner Corner” virtual staff meeting. Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer) and Milly Olykan (CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development) joined the call to surprise Esposito and join his entire staff in celebrating the honor. The CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

“I am teary-eyed,” said Esposito after learning of his award. “I promise you, our commitment to this has only just begun. Thank you thank you thank you.”
Esposito established an international marketing department at Warner Music Nashville over three years ago, in addition to bringing on a U.K.-based consultant to represent the genre to partners in other territories. Under his leadership, artists such as Dan & Shay, Morgan Evans and Ashley McBryde have all seen continued growth and success internationally.

The CMA International Awards honor industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference towards the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in five categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for country music in their local territories.

DeLange was presented the award Wednesday, Aug. 12 through a surprise video message from superstar Carrie Underwood, while being interviewed on German television show Volle Kanne. The CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States who has furthered the popularity and brought attention to the country music format in his or her foreign-based territory. Underwood and DeLange first worked together in 2018 when Underwood performed at DeLange’s Tuckerville festival in the Netherlands.

As one of the best-selling female artists in the Netherlands, DeLange has spread country music globally since beginning her music career in 1998. In addition to earning over 40 music awards, the 18-time Platinum certified artist has served as a coach on The Voice of Holland and has her own national TV show, Ilse’s Veranda. Following her solo career, DeLange launched the Americana band, The Common Linnets, who participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014 with their song “Calm After The Storm,” which charted at No. 1 in 14 countries. In 2017, DeLange appeared in a reoccurring role on the hit TV show Nashville, and last year she released her album Gravel & Dust, which was produced by T Bone Burnett. Most recently, DeLange has been a featured artist on the seventh season of the German music reality TV show Sing My Song, which was filmed in South Africa.

“Ilse consistently uses her platform to benefit artists in her own country, in addition to providing opportunities for Nashville country artists to reach a wider European audience,” says Olykan. “And Espo has always prioritized his artists’ expansion into territories around the world and recognized that country music can serve a global market. We are thrilled to congratulate them both on winning these awards.”

Earlier this year, CMA awarded Ben Earle of U.K. Country duo The Shires with the 2020 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award. Winners of the two remaining 2020 CMA International Awards categories will be presented with their awards later this year.

Ilse DeLange is awarded the CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. Photo Credit: Karim Shawky

Tune In to Learn The 2020 MusicRow Awards Winners Tomorrow

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MusicRow will reveal the winners of the 32nd annual MusicRow Awards in a series of videos on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, starting at 9:00 a.m. TOMORROW (Aug. 18).

MusicRow Awards Schedule of Announcements
9:00 a.m.: Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards
9:30 a.m.: Producer of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Agency of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Male Songwriter of the Year
12:30 p.m.: Female Songwriter of the Year
1:00 p.m.: Song of the Year
1:30 p.m.: Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist of the Year
2:00 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist of the Year
2:30 p.m.: Artist of the Year

Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to read about the nominees up for each category.

The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Aug. 18, recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players.

Morgan Wallen Earns Viral Hit With New Track "7 Summers"

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Big Loud artist Morgan Wallen is notching another smash with his latest song “7 Summers,” which debuted at No. 3 on Apple Music and Spotify.

Currently, only Drake‘s “Laugh Now Cry Later” and Cardi B‘ (ft. Megan Thee Stallion)’s “WAP”  are ahead of “7 Summers” on Apple Music’s Top 100: USA chart (and No. 5 on the Apple Music Top 100: Global chart).

Wallen co-wrote the track with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, with production from Joey Moi. He released a snippet of the track, which went viral on TikTok, earning more than 24 million views prior to its official release.

“‘7 Summers’ is a song that originally I didn’t even know if it was going to make my album or if I was ever going to put it out,” shares Wallen. “But when quarantine first started, I was challenged to do a demo on Instagram so I put out the first verse and chorus of ‘7 Summers.’ I heard a lot of good feedback from it on Instagram, and then it started making the rounds on TikTok – I saw how much the song was getting played and how much people were enjoying it, even just the first verse and chorus. Social media played a huge part in me releasing this song, especially this early. It’s a cool thing – me being on the fence about it, then being able to put it out and get people’s feedback. Seeing the response played the biggest part in this release. I think that speaks to just how much fans mean to me and fans mean to music. I’m glad I’m getting to put it out and glad people are loving it, I can’t wait for y’all to hear the full version.”

 

Justin Moore To Release ‘Live At The Ryman’ In September

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Justin Moore is giving fans missing his live shows a taste of that concert excitement on his latest album, Live at the Ryman, due out Sept. 25 via The Valory Music Co. The album’s first three tracks “Country State of Mind (featuring Chris Janson),” ”Small Town USA” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” are available now via streaming partners and for digital retail pre-order.

The album was recorded in May 2018 at Moore’s first-ever headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium, which was his first in Nashville since 2000. The sold-out date welcomed some of country music’s rowdiest fans at the Mother Church to celebrate Moore’s top hits, along with tributes to classics like Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and others.

“A live album is something I’ve always had a desire to record and have out for our fans. We had the chance to record our Ryman show last year. The crowd was unreal. The venue, as we all know, was great, as it always is. Luckily, I didn’t screw it up,” Moore said. “In all seriousness, the energy we were able to capture that night, was electric. In this strange time with no live music, I thought this could be fun for our fans right now. Crack a cold one around the house, a campfire, deer camp, the beach and enjoy some live music. Hopefully, we have the chance to do it in person soon. Until then, enjoy this live album from my band, my crew, and myself from the Ryman.”

Moore’s latest single “Why We Drink” is currently Top 5 at country radio and climbing, and his recently launched podcast reached Apple’s Top 5 Podcasts in Music and claimed a spot in the New & Noteworthy category.

Live At The Ryman Track List:

1. Hank It
2. Backwoods
3. Flyin’ Down A Back Road
4. You Look Like I Need A Drink
5. Somebody Else Will
6. Bait A Hook
7. Kinda Don’t Care
8. Til My Last Day
9. If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away
10. Lettin’ The Night Roll
11. Bed of My Chevy
12. Country State of Mind (feat. Chris Janson)
13. I Ain’t Living Long Like This (feat. David Lee Murphy)
14. Honey (Open That Door) (feat. Ricky Skaggs and The Whites)
15. Small Town USA
16. I Could Kick Your Ass
17. Point At You

28th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Transitions To Virtual Event

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Like most music-centric festivals, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)’s annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will transition to a virtual event this year, slated for Oct. 20-24, 2020. For the first time in the festival’s 27-year history, its shows will be free to experience, with a link available to donate to NSAI to help support their work on behalf of songwriters.

“Although the team behind Tin Pan South will miss holding the festival in our beloved partner venues in Nashville this year, we are taking this opportunity to embrace and welcome songwriters from all around the nation—many of whom may not have had the ability to participate in the in-person event—and are taking on a regional approach in order to highlight songwriters from all across the country,” said Jennifer Turnbow, festival director and Senior Director of Operations at NSAI.

The festival, held by NSAI in partnership with Regions Bank, will premiere rounds of performances simultaneously each evening to keep with the festival vibe, with each night highlighting a different region.

For additional information and upcoming announcements about performers, visit tinpansouth.com.

Former BMI Exec Tom Annastas Dies

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Tom Annastas, who served for 39 years as an executive at BMI, died Thursday, Aug. 13.

Tom was born on Feb. 11, 1953 in New York, NY. He eventually moved to West New York, NJ where he attended Memorial High School and met the love of his life, Alice DeGregorio. Tom graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University. After he graduated, he and Alice married in 1973.

That same year, he joined BMI as Operations Manager in Broadcast Licensing, and was promoted to Vice President, General Licensing in 1986. Two years later he became Vice President, General Licensing. He retired in 2012.

During his tenure at BMI, Annastas was responsible for several innovations in the Licensing department, including the use of direct mail and telemarketing techniques to broaden the company’s customer base. He held a Bachelor of Science degree from Farleigh Dickenson University. He served on the board of the TJ Martell Foundation, where he was active with Country in the Rockies, the Best Cellars event and Honors Gala. He also served on the boards of Vanderbilt Ingram-Cancer Center and the BMI Foundation.

He was a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2008.

He is preceded in death by his Wife Alice, Father George, and Mother Bertha Annastas. He is survived by his two sons Thomas Annastas Jr. (Becki); Paul Annastas (Karianne); grandson Mattox Annastas; granddaughters Maia Annastas, Sophia Rose Annastas and Willow Annastas; and sister Patricia Joan Annastas Gaeta (Anthony).

A celebration of life is planned (pandemic permitting) is planned for Feb. 11, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to The American Heart Association:

In Memory of Thomas George Annastas.
American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association
PO Box 840692
Dallas, TX 75284-0692